Because we dont believe in wealth redistribution. Money earned by an individual is his/her money until he/she spends it. It is not the government's money to take and give to those who refuse to work. And as a libertarian, all such services should be privately done, through charities, for example. A health-care system in which the government meddles with it drives down the quality of health care and drives the costs up.

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a very strong military,

You can't protect a vast country without a large military. I agree that we need a few less foriegn bases, but in a time of terrorism, anyone who dares suggest making the .mil smaller would be lucky if he weren't lynched. Its like suggesting you slash your tires and puncture your gas tank before a road trip, only you dont risk your well being on such a road trip.

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a belief that force can solve most problems (I could be wrong about that one too)

I dont necessarily believe that, but its nice to have the ability to back up your words. Words without the ability (and fortitude) to back them up are impotent. Our country was founded on making sure we could protect ourself from all agressors, and every time we have slacked in that reguard, someone decided that they were going to take a pot-shot at us (GBR, Japan, terrorists)

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intolerance of homosexuality,

Not me. My barber is gay. To each their own. Gay Marriage: Governments should have no say in marriage, which is clearly a religious event. Civil unions should be in order for all, for legal purposes. The couple should find a church that will "marry" them.

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abortion

Touchy subject, in that no one truely "knows" when life starts. Religion creeps in here alot.

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One thing I find particulary difficult to understand is how many americans strongly believe in individual responsibility and merit, and at the same time supporting a military-industrial nationalistic state - seems contradictory.

I am not sure how they are contradictory. But I also dont see how we have a military-industrial nationalistic state either, so it could be my "Blinding Patriotic Goggles"...[;)]

Thanks for the reply, mike. I understand the reasoning behind a lot of the libertarian ideas, and some of them are very attractive, for example, in their advocacy of individual freedom, particularly cutting down the state's interference in people's lives. I just think it isn't quite as simple as making everyone entirely responsible for themselves and no others, and the 'common good' will be maximised (I don't know if this is a goal of libertarianism - is it?). It seems, uh, a little harsh on those who don't fit in. I'm drifting off topic here.

Anyway, I wonder how much real fear there is amongst democrats for the future, particularly regarding Iraq?

Capn, my ancestors probably saved your ancestors at some point (in fact my ancestors WERE your ancestors going back a bit more, but I digress). But seriously, that point is a very good reason why US & Europe should not drift apart, because we depend on each other and share a common heritage, there are enough real enemies to go round, dontcha think?

Yep, but if Europe were invaded would you rather have George Bush in power or John Kerry asking for permission from the UN before helping you?

"The above post does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Cap'n Carageous nor this forum. It may be presented as an attempt at humor or as a quote or paraphrase from another author. Any feelings hurt by this post are the responsibility of the reader. No animals were harmed in the making of this post." Member F.D.I.C. Tax tag and title extra.

See there!!! Now THAT'S why EVERYONE shouldn't be allowed to vote!! Them damn country people done gone and elected a dang REPUBLICAN!!! It's the end of the world I tell yall, the end of the world!!!

Hey, don't put me in with "them", I supported this admin on two things: Iraq (incl terrorism) and taxes. You can keep the Repo social welfare and corporate suck-up mentality. It just happens that my two favorite topics overwhelmed everything else that I consider important.

Far, far down the list of collateral damage taht I deeply appreciate from a Dubyah win is the wonderful F**K YOU that we have sent to the EU and UN. I have thoroughly enjoyed and gloated over every dang European editorial that I've read. I especially enjoy the ones that wonder how their country will adjust to the reality of a complete mandate from the people of the USA to the Prez and Congress.

Good morning, little darlings. Wakee, wakee boys and girls in Europe. We are not Spain.

No harm intended. We are on the same side. W may not be the right man but Kerry was surely not. The US doesn't turn it's back on enemies, it sure won't turn on a friend. Well, France maybe!! But we never really liked them anyway!!

"The above post does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Cap'n Carageous nor this forum. It may be presented as an attempt at humor or as a quote or paraphrase from another author. Any feelings hurt by this post are the responsibility of the reader. No animals were harmed in the making of this post." Member F.D.I.C. Tax tag and title extra.